Today officials formally opened the Waverley West Arterial Roads Project, a series of road infrastructure improvements that provide vital transportation links in this growing residential area, including the extension of Kenaston Boulevard which is a principal route for people and goods within Winnipeg and Manitoba.

Today, the first four stations of the Mississauga Transitway were officially opened by all three levels of government at a ceremony at the new Dixie Station. This dedicated corridor is the first of its kind in the Greater Toronto Area and will make east-west travel across the city more efficient.

David Sweet, Member of Parliament for Ancaster—Dundas—Flamborough—Westdale; Ted McMeekin, Member of Provincial Parliament for Ancaster—Dundas—Flamborough—Westdale; and Mary Proc, Vice-President of Customer Service for GO Transit, a division of Metrolinx, today visited the construction site of the new GO Transit bus storage and maintenance facility in Hamilton.

The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, today announced the divestiture of the ports of Long Pond, Botwood and Main Brook, NL to local business groups. These divestitures include an investment of over $22 million for the continued operation and maintenance of the ports’ infrastructure, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the port.

Faster service, new modern stations and the latest transit technology will make taking the bus more comfortable and reliable for RapidBus BC passengers. The RapidBus BC service connecting West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation and Kelowna with the University of BC Okanagan (UBCO) is now in service. The $46 million Kelowna RapidBus BC project is the backbone of a sustainable, efficient transportation network for the region.

The Region of Waterloo celebrated a historic moment today as officials took part in a groundbreaking ceremony for the start of ION Stage 1 Light Rail Transit (LRT) construction. The event took place at the future home of ION’s Operations, Maintenance and Storage Facility on Dutton Drive in Waterloo.

Today, Premier Kathleen Wynne, Royal Galipeau, MP (Ottawa–Orléans) and Mayor Jim Watson toured the Confederation Line light rail transit (LRT) tunnel to witness the progress that has been made since mining began in October 2013.

Jeff Watson, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport today announced an investment of $169,975 for the purchase of a sand spreader and truck at the Greater Sudbury Airport.

Jeff Watson, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, was joined today by Bryan Hayes, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie to announce an investment of $1,022,640 for the replacement of a runway sweeper, snowblower, an airfield rotating beacon, wind direction indicators, approach light transformers, and for modifications to the combined services building to accommodate fire trucks at the Sault Ste. Marie Airport.

2014 Annual Summit of the International Transport Forum "Transport for a Changing World"

Minister Raitt with Carlos Almada Lopez, Undersecretary of Transportation, Mexico; Susan Kurland, Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs of United States before the Closed Ministerial Session taking place during the 2014 Annual Summit of the International Transport Forum “Transport for a Changing World” on May 22, 2014 in Leipzig, Germany.

2014 Annual Summit of the International Transport Forum "Transport for a Changing World"

Minister Raitt in discussion with Susan Kurland, Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs, United States, at the 2014 Annual Summit of the International Transport Forum “Transport for a Changing World” on May 22, 2014 in Leipzig, Germany.

2014 Annual Summit of the International Transport Forum, "Transport for a Changing World"

Minister Raitt during the Panel Session "The Workforce for a New Transport Future" at the 2014 Annual Summit of the International Transport Forum, "Transport for a Changing World" on May 22, 2014 in Leipzig, Germany

2014 Annual Summit of the International Transport Forum "Transport for a Changing World"

Minister Raitt (first row, fifth from the left) and other Transport Ministers at the 2014 Annual Summit of the International Transport Forum “Transport for a Changing World” on May 22, 2014 in Leipzig, Germany

Minister Raitt and Henry Posner III, Chairman of Railroad Development Corporation speaking at the Ministers' Roundtable Competition in Rail Transport at the 2014 Annual Summit of the International Transport Forum “Transport for a Changing World” on May 21, 2014 in Leipzig, Germany

Minister Raitt speaking at the Opening Plenary panel "Transport for a Changing World: Thinking Beyond the Trends - Shaping Responses" at the 2014 Annual Summit of the International Transport Forum, "Transport for a Changing World" on May 21, 2014 in Leipzig, Germany

Today marks the first time I am speaking at the Canadian Club as the Minister of Transport. I am pleased to be here today, among so many colleagues, stakeholders and friends, some who fall within the Transport portfolio.

OTTAWA – Today, the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport spoke to participants at the 2013 World Maritime Day Observance Conference in New York about Canada’s commitment to safe, secure and sustainable marine practices. The event was hosted by the North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) and the United States Coast Guard.

Ottawa – Royal Galipeau, MP for Ottawa–Orléans and Bob Chiarelli, MPP for Ottawa West–Nepean joined Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson and city councillors to mark the commencement of tunnel construction for the Confederation Line Light Rail Transit system, a historic moment for the nation’s capital.

ST. ANDREWS, MANITOBA — James Bezan, Member of Parliament for Selkirk—Interlake, on behalf of the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, today announced funding for an important safety improvement project at the St. Andrews Airport.

MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO — The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport and MP for Halton; Harinder Takhar, MPP for Mississauga—Erindale; and Bruce McCuaig, Metrolinx president and CEO, announced the upcoming opening of a new parking structure and station building at the Erindale GO Station. These new facilities will make it easier, safer and more convenient for commuters to take public transit.

SAGUENAY—LAC-SAINT-JEAN, QUEBEC – Today in Saguenay, the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Canadian Economic Development Agency for the Regions of Quebec; Sylvain Gaudreault, Minister of Transport and Minister of Municipal Affairs, Regions and Land Use; Stéphane Bédard, Minister of Government Administration, President of the Treasury Board and Minister responsible for the Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean Region; and Alexandre Cloutier, Minister for Canadian Intergovernmental Affairs, the Canadian Francophonie and Sovereignist Governance and Minister responsible for the Nord-du-Québec Region, officially inaugurated the new Highway 73/175 connecting Quebec City and the town of Saguenay over a distance of 174 km.

TSAWWASSEN, BRITISH COLUMBIA – The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, along with the Honourable Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Minister of National Revenue, on behalf of the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, today announced infrastructure investments that will strengthen the border, improve marine container inspection capacity, and improve efficiency at Port Metro Vancouver (PMV).

CASTLEGAR, BRITISH COLUMBIA — The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of State and Chief Government Whip and Member of Parliament for Vancouver Island North, on behalf of the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, today announced more than $630,000 in funding for three safety improvement projects at the West Kootenay Regional Airport.

NANAIMO, BRITISH COLUMBIA — The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, today spoke of the important role played by ports in the economic well-being of Canadians in a speech to the 55th annual general meeting and conference of the Association of Canadian Port Authorities, hosted by the Nanaimo Port Authority.

LETHBRIDGE, ALBERTA — Jim Hillyer, Member of Parliament for Lethbridge, on behalf of the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, today announced funding for an important safety improvement project at the Lethbridge Airport.

BADDECK, NS - The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, announced that Transport Canada has accepted the Baddeck Lions Club procedures for operating its shuttle boat service between Baddeck, Nova Scotia and Kidston Island, a popular swimming and picnicking area on Bras d'Or Lake.

Richmond, B.C. -- China Eastern Airlines and Vancouver Airport Authority today marked the airline’s service increase from one to two daily flights connecting Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). Beginning July 20, 2013, China Eastern’s expanded service will provide more options for passengers and greater opportunities for trade and economic growth, both here in British Columbia and in Shanghai, China’s economic epicentre.

SUDBURY, ONTARIO — Jay Aspin, Member of Parliament for Nipissing—Timiskaming, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, today announced more than $3 million in funding for two safety improvement projects at the Greater Sudbury Airport.

DELTA – The South Fraser Perimeter Road (SFPR) is now 80 per cent complete and on-track to open in December 2013, announced Nina Grewal, Member of Parliament for Fleetwood – Port Kells, on behalf of the Honourable Ed Fast, Canada’s Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, and British Columbia Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone. The new four-lane route will strengthen the economy by improving the safe and efficient movement of goods and people.

OTTAWA — The Honourable Peter Van Loan, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, on behalf of the Honourable Ed Fast, Canada’s Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, Dr. James Lunney, Member of Parliament for Nanaimo—Alberni, and Mr. Robert Bennie, Chair of Nanaimo Port Authority, today announced funding for a short-sea shipping project in British Columbia, further bolstering Canada’s Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative (APGCI).

OTTAWA — The Honourable Peter Van Loan, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, on behalf of the Honourable Ed Fast, Canada’s Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, Dr. James Lunney, Member of Parliament for Nanaimo—Alberni, and Don Ferster, Chair of the Board, Port Alberni Port Authority, today announced funding for a Container Trans-Shipment and Short-Sea Shipping Feasibility Study in British Columbia.

HALIFAX — The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister for National Defence and Regional Minister for Nova Scotia, on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Minister for the Atlantic Gateway and Regional Minister for New Brunswick, along with the Honourable Graham Steele, Nova Scotia Minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism, today announced joint funding for the deployment of an inshore weather buoy at Herring Cove. The data transmitted from the buoy will be used to generate real time, high resolution weather and wave forecasting for the Halifax Port Authority that will help keep mariners safe. Data will also be used for education and scientific research.

VANCOUVER —Wai Young, Member of Parliament for Vancouver South and Co-Chair of the Canada-China Legislative Association, on behalf of the Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, is undertaking a series of Asia-Pacific Gateway promotional events and meeting with key stakeholders that benefit from this key export facilitation initiative.

CARIBOU, NOVA SCOTIA — The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Central Nova, and the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of National Revenue, Minister for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Member of Parliament for Egmont, today announced an investment totaling close to $13 million in the Wood Islands, P.E.I. - Caribou, N.S. ferry service.

PICKERING, ONTARIO — A responsible, balanced approach was unveiled today by the Harper government for the development of the federally-owned Pickering Lands, which sets aside land for a future airport, some economic development and the creation of Rouge National Urban Park.

WINNIPEG — The Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Transport) and Member of Parliament for Charleswood—St. James—Assiniboia, today announced an investment of $666,819 for important safety improvements at the St. Andrews Airport, The Pas Airport, and the Thompson Regional Airport through the Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP).

MONTREAL — The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, announced today that the Government of Canada is working with the City of Montreal to ensure the new bridge for the St. Lawrence has architectural quality.

MONTREAL — The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, today announced more than $1.8 million in funding over the next three years for eleven boating safety awareness projects under Transport Canada’s Boating Safety Contribution Program (BSCP).

EAST GWILLIMBURY, ONTARIO — The Honourable Peter Van Loan, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Member of Parliament for York—Simcoe; Kevin Flynn, Parliamentary Assistant to Ontario’s Minister of Transportation; and Gary McNeil, GO Transit president, today marked the start of construction of a new GO bus storage and maintenance facility in East Gwillimbury.

HALIFAX — The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, today announced that the Government of Canada is adopting strict environmental standards to reduce air emissions from ships navigating in Canadian waters.

OTTAWA — The Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Transport), announced today that the Harper Government is deploying software on Canada's full body scanners (FBS) that will enhance passenger privacy at airports, while continuing to ensure the safety and security of Canadian air travellers.

WINNIPEG — Candice Bergen, Member of Parliament for Portage—Lisgar, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, today announced funding to improve infrastructure at the Emerson Border Crossing. This announcement follows through on commitments in the Beyond the Border Action Plan announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and President Barack Obama in December 2011.

REGINA —Tom Lukiwski, Member of Parliament for Regina—Lumsden—Lake Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, today announced funding to expand and modernize the North Portal Border Crossing. This announcement follows through on commitments in the Beyond the Border Action Plan announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and President Barack Obama in December 2011.

LANSDOWNE, ONTARIO — Gord Brown, Member of Parliament for Leeds—Grenville, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, today announced funding to expand and improve the Lansdowne Border Crossing. This announcement follows through on commitments in the Beyond the Border Action Plan announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and President Barack Obama in December 2011.

<p> VAUGHAN, ONTARIO — Today at the site of the future Highway 407 Station, the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Labour and Member of Parliament for Halton; the Honourable Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario; the Honourable Glen Murray, Ontario Minister of Transportation and Minister of Infrastructure; His Worship Rob Ford, Mayor of Toronto; Bill Fisch, Chairman and CEO of The Regional Municipality of York; His Worship Maurizio Bevilacqua, Mayor of the City of Vaughan and Karen Stintz, Toronto Transit Commission Chair together launched the next stage of tunnel construction for the Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension (TYSSE). </p>

OTTAWA—Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Member of Parliament for Delta—Richmond East, on behalf of the Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today announced that the Government of Canada is funding an important new project in Delta, B.C., which builds on its commitment to open new markets for Canadian exports and increase transportation and trade capacity through the Asia-Pacific Gateway.

CHARLOTTETOWN – The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of National Revenue for Canada and the Honourable Robert Vessey, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal for Prince Edward Island were joined by David McKenna, Chairman of the Charlottetown Airport Authority to celebrate the grand opening of the expanded terminal facility at the Charlottetown Airport.